Oliva is a castellan and storyteller invited to serve as the subject of Robert’s artistic painting class. Rather than pose, he tells the children the allegory of a sunglass-wearing cat whose colors expose human character, setting the film’s central conflict in motion.
This central dual role follows the aging Emperor Rudolf II and the baker Matěj, whose striking resemblance enables a mistaken identity. Rudolf seeks youth and the Golem, while Matěj impersonates him, rules more fairly, searches for Katerina, and ultimately persuades Rudolf to give the Golem to the people.
Jan Werich has 86 screen credits in a career dating back to 1932. Their work spans 3 cinematic universes — most prominently Fimfárum Collection with 3 titles. Signature works include The Creation of the World, When the Cat Comes, Once Upon a Time, There Was a King.... Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.
Universe traveler — spans 3 universes
Related entry on Wikidata (Q949091), public domain (CC0).
